Meetings/20180727

Meeting minutes -- Friday, July 27 2018

Fire Department introductions: 3 Cal Fire members joined the meeting and spoke with the group. Some of the topics covered:

• in the event of a canyon fire, the local truck would arrive with a total of 900 gallons of water
• hydrant hookups in the Butano are compatible with hookups on the truck
• flooding (in town) was discussed, fire department stages a secondary group at Pescadero High School during high water
• in the Butano, due to the amount of live fuel, there would likely be adequate time to exit the canyon
• fire will climb fastest uphill, but does go downhill depending on wind conditions
• defensible space (paper handouts) are best defense for residents
• fire department distributed these during inspections in prior years, has not happened in recent years due to lack of resources
• defensible space handouts were distributed to the group
• propane tanks defensible space is 10 feet
• most modern propane tanks have shutoff valve that is triggered in high heat condition
• was discussed that an effort should be made to ensure that all Butano propane tanks are equipped with this shutoff valve
• fire department would not use any GIS mapping provided by us, they would use their own maps (basic maps)
• in the event of a canyon fire, do not shut off the water system, fire department will use it
• residents should focus on getting to safety, and letting the fire department handle the fire
• importance of clearly marked addresses was stressed
• addresses should be at least 6-inch numbers, hi-contrast with sign or building
• if residence has a long driveway, address should be posted at end of driveway
• addresses and street signs should use reflective numbers/letters for night viewing
• during a fire, resident sprinkler systems should stay off, to allow for higher water pressure in system
• residential 5000 gallon tanks are not a bad idea, should be considered for those interested
• always call 911 in the event of a fire, as opposed to calling the station directly
• 911 has a broad dispatch that will coordinate with other stations, areas
• do not stay at home, watering down your house, during a fire
• the Madrone sign before the bridge should be more visible, reflective paint for letters was discussed

Fire Department members leave the meeting, the group remains.

• Paths out of the canyon were discussed. Several attempts were made to discover/clear the Peery trail, but none were able to find the trail. The trails at the Girl Scout Camp were discussed as two of them exit to Butano State Park.
• The siren at the pool is operational, but more information is needed on how it works.
• Neighborhood groupings were updated, Joan presented the canyon map with neighborhood assignments
• The far Madrone neighborhood which was unassigned to be handled by William
• Coordinator handouts were distributed, outlining the information to be gathered from residents
• Don's letter was discussed, was posted and mailed. Don was not at the meeting, need more feedback on that effort.